information on Akbash Rescue dogs. This blog is created and monitored by Janet Davis, Rescue Coordinator for Akbash Dogs International (ADI), and National Director of Akbash Dog Rescue, Inc. a 501c3 breed rescue for Akbash dogs.. The ADI website link is on the right side of the blog. It has the most accurate internet information available.
Photo Credit: Janet's beloved Keeva (rescued Wyoming Akbash dog). Winner of the 2008 Iron Collar photo contest

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

How to get a dog adopted?...good pictures!

Many rescue groups list dogs via the internet, on various websites. Anyone that contacts a rescue group with the hopes of getting help adopting a dog, must provide good pictures. Often people send a rescue group grainy dark cell phone pictures. The dog is dirty with gunk in the eyes (not kidding), and not even looking at the camera.

HERE IS HOW TO TAKE PICTURES:
Take pictures outside in natural light. Late morning or late afternoon toward sunset is the best light.
Take pictures of a clean and brushed dog, wipe the face! Have no clutter in the background. Only the dog should be the focus of the photo. Get a good face close up with expression showing and light in the eyes if possible. Also get a standing full body shot. Have a new or clean collar and leash on the dog.

If you cannot take photos like this put out an appeal to friends and family. This is a way someone can help a dog in rescue, without having to do the work of foster care. You will be surprised to find people are often happy to help in this way.

Below are examples of the photos a very experienced foster, and photographer, takes. She knows how important photos are to begin generating interest in a particular dog. Often black dogs have trouble being adopted. Not when she photographs them!!!

CLICK THE READ MORE LINK BELOW TO SEE MORE SPECTACULAR PICTURES OF DOGS IN RESCUE!

Once the set up is right the dog moves and if you try to tell them to stay, then they look all dejected and sulky etc. It is really hard!

One way around that is to have another person working with the dog to get he/she to relax and stay, so the photographer can concentrate on moving around with the camera for the best angle and light. You can try holding a treat also for an attentive expression. However, not if the dog drools like my dog when food is around! If another person is not available maybe the dog tied on a cable, so at least he/she is still and eventually lying down and relaxed with a more natural expression. Then the photographer can just concentrate on the picture. I try to move the cable or leash out of the way if the dog is tied up...

Please also considering checking out HeARTs Speak, a non-profit dedicated to pairing up professional photographers and rescues. The dogs which are professionally photographed for the rescue for which I volunteer are swamped with applications once the photos are posted. http://heartsspeak.org/

Current Akbash Rescue Info

About Me

I have always been involved with animals, starting to ride horses as a small child and training our family dog at age ten.
Eventually I worked as a veterinary technician and started a pet-sitting business. I have been involved with studying different dog training theories as a personal hobby as well as professionally.
The passing of my constant companion, Akbash dog Keeva, led to a desire to do rescue work.